If the witness lives in England or Wales they must attend if they are asked to. In many cases the evidence of a witness may be vital in establishing the facts of the death. A witness may either be asked to attend the inquest voluntarily or receive a formal summons to do so. It is an offence not to attend and the Coroner can impose a fine or prison sentence.
In exceptional circumstances the Coroner may allow someone to give evidence from behind a screen, or by video link, if he or she decides that it would improve evidence, allow the inquest to go ahead more quickly or would protect a particularly vulnerable witness who may be at risk of harm from others.
If the witness lives abroad he or she does not have to attend to give evidence. However, the Coroner may decide to accept written evidence from the witness.
